After expressing his desire to move on from the Atlanta Hawks just a week ago, point guard Jeff Teague is now singing a different tune and now is thrilled to be returning for the future.
Teague received the phone call from general manager Danny Ferry that the Hawks matched the Milwaukee Bucks offer sheet of a four-year, $32 million contract while on a Harry Potter themed amusement park ride on Saturday.
"He said they were going to match the offer and we're glad to have you back," Teague told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I held on a little bit, got off the ride and we started talking a little bit more."
Just three days prior to the conversation that he'd remain on the team, Teague was requesting to Ferry that he was allowed to move on and was highly impressed by the interest the Bucks were giving him. He also marveled at the opportunity at a chance to reunite with former Hawks coach Larry Drew.
However, with the news that he was to remain, Teague showed up at the team's Las Vegas Summer League game Monday night and was nothing less than excited to be back.
"It's a process," Teague said. "I understood that going into it. I was a restricted free agent and I knew that all along. I was happy either way. I'm glad to be back in Atlanta. It's been home for four years. It's time to get back to work.
"There is no bad blood. We are all professionals."
Teague later said his excitement stems from the Hawks faith in him and how the demonstrated that by matching the offer sheet.
"You have to move forward," Teague said. "It's a business. I'm excited to be in Atlanta. I'm ready to work. They want to push me to get better and I'm excited for that. I love John. I love Mike. I'm excited. I saw them today it was all love. I'm excited to be here.
"I know they are building a winning culture and I'm excited to be a part of it. I've got a good four years to be here and help this team get to a place we haven't been, the Eastern Conference finals (and beyond)."
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